Book Review: Trouble in Dry Springs by Kristina Hall

The side characters almost stole the show, including the matchmaker Mrs. Reilly and the kindly Colonel Burke.

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Trouble in Dry Springs is a Western romance with plenty of conflict and a sweet romance.

 

Book Blurb

Trouble in Dry Springs by Kristina Hall book cover

Even the peaceful town of Dry Springs is not without trouble.

When Eliza McCoslin’s brother sends for her, she exchanges war-torn Mississippi for Dry Springs, Texas. Settling into a new way of life proves difficult though, despite the arrival of the man she’s long admired.

Jesse Carrigan comes to Dry Springs seeking work and a place to start the ranch he’s dreamed of ever since his parents lost their farm. What he doesn’t expect to find is the woman he’d like to court—or his former colonel on the run from a deadly threat.

Given the circumstances keeping Jesse and Eliza apart and the danger looming on the horizon, he and Eliza find themselves facing the loss of future love—and life. When trouble comes to Dry Springs, who will be left standing?

 

 

My Thoughts

I haven’t read a lot of books set in the direct aftermath of the Civil War, which might be because I didn’t look hard enough, but Trouble in Dry Springs explores the tensions still plaguing the country.

Eliza can come off as weak here and there, but she has an inner strength that grows throughout the novel, and that is nice to see. Jesse proves to be a good, respectful hero worth rooting for. The novel shows their growth as they adapt to life in a new town with new challenges.

The side characters almost stole the show, including the matchmaker Mrs. Reilly and the kindly Colonel Burke. I have to admit I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing them again in a future book.

As for the faith thread, both Jesse and Eliza pray often and seek counsel. There’s nothing super “in your face” about their faith, but it’s unapologetically on display, which I enjoyed.

Overall, Trouble in Dry Springs is a sweet Western historical that romance lovers will enjoy.

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Jennifer Purcell

Featured Image Image by Sofia Iivarinen from Pixabay

 
The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Jennifer Purcell is a Georgia native who loves to write about her faith and family. When she's not planted in front of her laptop or got her nose stuck in a book, she teaches children at an after school Bible club and at her church's Wednesday night youth program. You can check out her blog at justjenniferpurcell.com.

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